It was the perfect Mother’s Day weekend for new parents Cindy and Kenneth Boyd.

Their first baby, a son named Gabriel John, was the first baby born in the new Memorial Hospital on Friday, May 10.

The Boyds knew their baby would be born in the new hospital, but didn’t know theirs would be the first.

“He was supposed to be born at the end of this month, but came two and a half weeks early,” Kenneth said.

Cindy was also the hospital’s first surgery patient, since she had to undergo a Caesarean section for the birth of little Gabriel, who is named after the angel Gabriel.

“I’m happy to be a Mom- after all the sacrifice. It was worth it, because the baby is here!” Cindy said enthusiastically.

The Boyds said they really liked the new hospital and the labor and delivery suites in Memorial Hospital’s Birthing Center.

“It’s easier to get around than the old hospital. We didn’t have to use the elevators. We could just walk in and go. The equipment was also more updated,” Kenneth said.

“Everything was new in the surgery room,” Cindy said.

Kenneth also appreciated the fold-out bed next to Cindy’s hospital bed, so he could stay with her overnight.

“It’s much better than sleeping in a chair,” he said.

The couple also enjoyed a romantic candlelight dinner on Mother’s Day, a service Memorial Hospital’s Birthing Center has always offered.

The OB staff said the first birth went well and is excited to welcome more babies at Memorial Hospital’s Birthing Center.

“We followed the same procedures we did in the old hospital. The way we care for our patients is the same- we’re just in the new building now,” said Brandi Robertson, RN.